{"type":"document","data":{"id":"2281bc4a-5dfc-4484-9d7d-1296a2cd4f28","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-03-19T16:16:25.291+01:00","contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"A child savings account is a great way for parents to prepare for the future. Learn how to save for your children and understand the benefits."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"title":"Child savings accounts: why and how to save for your children","body":"Saving for children is much more than just a financial habit. It's a way for parents to prepare for their children's future and offer them solid financial opportunities. In this article, we'll see how to set up savings, explore the benefits of saving for children, the risks of not saving for them, and the essential financial habits they should be taught.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/43daa084-668d-4edc-a616-8c625b1ea175/extra-return-for-your-dormant-savings-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2be850c33bb25224/original/extra-return-for-your-dormant-savings-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"}},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving","text":"Saving"}},"date":"2023-07-28","readingTime":5},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Understanding the benefits of child savings accounts"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Saving for children has many advantages that can have a significant impact on their financial future. Here are some of the main advantages of saving for children.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Preparing their financial future","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>By saving regularly for your children, you are giving them the chance to benefit from a solid financial capital when they reach adulthood. This can help them finance their studies, buy a home or set up their own business.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By investing in your children&apos;s future now, you give them a financial head start. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Building good financial habits","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Saving for children is also an excellent opportunity to teach your children good financial habits from an early age.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By showing them how to save money, you help them develop essential financial skills such as discipline, planning and money management. These skills will stand to them throughout their lives. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Saving for a rainy day","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Saving for your children can also act as a <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/saving/emergency-fund\">safety net</a> in the event of major unforeseen expenses (unexpected medical expenses or other emergencies).</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>These savings can help you now or help them later to deal with an unexpected event without having to go into debt or dip into their personal savings. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>In a word, saving for children offers many advantages that can have a significant impact on their financial future.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By saving regularly for your child, you&apos;re giving them the chance to build up a solid financial capital, while instilling good financial habits and protecting them against any unexpected events.  </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"The risks of not saving for your children"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>When it comes to saving for our children, it&apos;s essential to understand the risks we could be exposing them to if we don&apos;t have a solid savings strategy in place.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Ignoring the importance of saving for children can have long-term financial consequences. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Lack of money to pay for their education","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>One of the most obvious risks of not saving for your children is not having enough money to pay for their education.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>The cost of education continues to rise, not only for higher education but also for primary and secondary education. Between buying equipment and going on school outings, you can sometimes feel the squeeze, which is why it&apos;s a good idea to have a small reserve for this purpose.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Future financial difficulties","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>By not putting money aside for your children, you run the risk of leaving them without financial resources when they need them most.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Whether it&apos;s to buy their first car, pay for unexpected medical expenses or even to help them get started on their adult lives, a lack of savings can leave them vulnerable to financial difficulties. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Pressure on family finances","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>If you don&apos;t plan to put money aside for your children, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to dip into your own savings or go into debt to provide for them. This can put enormous pressure on your family finances and compromise your own financial stability. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Missed investment opportunities","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Saving for children can also be a way of providing them with future investment opportunities. </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By not putting money aside, you risk depriving them of the opportunity to benefit from attractive returns over the long term. The lack of savings can therefore limit their financial prospects and have them miss out on certain lucrative opportunities. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"The different types of savings account"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Opening a savings account for your child is an important financial decision that requires careful thought. There are a number of criteria to consider when choosing a savings account for your children to ensure they benefit from the best possible opportunities for their financial future.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Here are some key points to consider: </span></span></span></p><ul><li><span><span><span>Interest rate: One of the most important criteria to consider is the <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/saving/interest-rates-savings-account\">interest rate offered by the savings account</a>. A high interest rate will allow your child to benefit from higher returns on their savings. It is therefore essential to compare the various offers available on the market and choose a savings account offering a competitive rate. </span></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><span><span>Fees: Be sure to check the fees associated with children&apos;s savings accounts. Some accounts may have management fees, transaction fees or other hidden charges that can reduce potential returns. Opt for a savings account with minimal or no fees to maximise the benefits for your child. </span></span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><span><span>Accessibility: It is important to choose a savings account that offers some flexibility in terms of access to funds. Some accounts may have restrictions on withdrawals or require advance notice and this can be restrictive if you need access to your money quickly. Opt for a savings account that offers easy access to funds while maintaining an adequate level of security. </span></span></span></li></ul><p><span><span><span>Opening a savings account for your children will enable you to create capital that they can access when they turn 18, and enables you to keep an eye on their transactions if you wish. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/compare-savings-accounts","text":"Check out our solutions"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Set up a savings plan for your children"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Drawing up a budget for your child&apos;s savings is a crucial step in your family&apos;s financial planning.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>This will help you work out how much you can put aside each month. Here are a few steps to follow to draw up an efficient budget.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"1. Analyse your income and expenses","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li><span><span><span>Take the time to review your bank statements, bills and credit card statements. </span></span></span></li><li><span><span><span>Identify fixed expenses such as rent, electricity and water bills, as well as variable expenses such as food and entertainment. </span></span></span></li></ul><p><span><span><span>This will give you a clear picture of your <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/saving/increase-your-saving-capacity-9-tips\">monthly expenses</a>.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"title":"2. Identify your child's expenses","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Make a note of any specific expenses relating to your child, such as childcare costs, school fees, extra-curricular activities or health-related expenses. </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>This will give you an idea of how much you need to spend on regular expenses each month. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"title":"3. Set savings targets","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li><span><span><span>Set savings targets for your child once you&apos;ve identified your income and expenses. </span></span></span></li><li><span><span><span>Think about what you want to achieve with these savings, whether it&apos;s financing their education, buying them a car or building up a fund for their future projects. </span></span></span></li></ul><p><span><span><span>Set realistic, measurable targets to motivate you to save regularly.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"title":"4. Prioritise your expenses","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li><span><span><span>Once you&apos;ve set your savings targets, it&apos;s important to <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/saving/increase-your-saving-capacity-9-tips\">prioritise your spending</a>. </span></span></span></li><li><span><span><span>Identify <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/saving/increase-your-saving-capacity-9-tips\">non-essential expenses</a> that you can reduce or eliminate to free up extra funds for your child&apos;s savings. </span></span></span></li></ul><p><span><span><span>For example, you might decide to eat out less often or cut back on entertainment.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"title":"5. Automate your savings","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li><span><span><span>To make saving for your child easier and more regular, consider <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/saving/standing-order\">automating your savings</a>. </span></span></span></li><li><span><span><span>Set up automatic monthly transfers to a dedicated savings account for your child. </span></span></span></li></ul><p><span><span><span>This will allow you to put money aside without even thinking about it.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"title":"6. Review your budget regularly","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li><span><span><span>Don&apos;t forget to review your budget regularly to make sure you&apos;re on track to achieving your savings goals. </span></span></span></li><li><span><span><span>Adjust your budget to changes in income or expenditure, because life can be unpredictable. </span></span></span></li></ul>"}}]},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>By following these steps, you can establish a solid budget for your child&apos;s savings.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Remember that every family has different financial circumstances, so it&apos;s important to tailor your budget to your needs and goals. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Inculcating good habits in your children"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Opening a savings account for your child is an excellent way of instilling good financial habits from an early age.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By teaching them to manage their money and save as you do, you&apos;re giving them the tools they need to build a solid financial future. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Explaining the value of money","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>It is essential to explain to your child the value of money and how it is earned. You can show them how hard you work to earn money and explain that saving is a way of planning for the future and being able to carry out important projects.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By making them understand that money doesn&apos;t grow on trees, you&apos;ll help them develop an appreciation for money and understand the importance of saving. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Encouraging regular saving","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Teach your child the importance of saving regularly by explaining that putting money aside regularly will help them achieve their goals more quickly. You can encourage them to save some of their pocket money each month.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Show them how to keep an eye on their savings so they can track their progress.</span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Setting financial targets","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Help your child set realistic and achievable financial goals. This could be the purchase of a game they&apos;ve wanted for a long time, for example.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By showing them how to plan and save to achieve their goals, you&apos;re teaching them the discipline and patience they need to manage their money responsibly. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Involving your child in financial decisions","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>If your child is a teenager, don&apos;t hesitate to involve him or her in some of the family&apos;s financial decisions, within reason of course. For example, you can ask for their opinion on family purchases or explain how you make choices based on your budget.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>This will enable them to understand financial trade-offs and develop informed decision-making skills. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Teach them to distinguish between needs and wants","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>Help your child understand the difference between needs and wants. Explain that needs are things that are essential to life, such as food, clothing and shelter, while wants are things that are desired but not necessary.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>By teaching them to distinguish between needs and wants, you can help them make more informed financial decisions and avoid impulsive spending. </span></span></span></p>"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span>By teaching your child these financial habits from an early age, you are laying the foundations for responsible financial management. Opening a savings account for your child is an important step in this process, but it&apos;s just as important to instil good financial habits that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>At the end of the day, saving for our children is much more than a financial gesture. It&apos;s an investment in their future, an essential life lesson and insurance against unexpected happenings. Let&apos;s be wise, let&apos;s be far-sighted and <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/saving/compare-savings-accounts-youth\">let&apos;s start saving for our children</a> today. </span></span></span></p>"}}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Also interesting"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Youth Savings: How to Save When You're Young","body":"Read ING’s guide to youth savings if you’re wondering how to save when you’re young – from how much to save when you’re young to how to get started.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/8a384763-cf54-4626-b345-1f1aa9051064/Child-grabbing-all-the-candy-on-the-table","type":"image","width":5193,"altTextEN":"\"\"","altTextNL":"\"\"","altTextFR":"\"\"","altTextDE":"\"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6f7e70cad8b3d5f6/original/Child-grabbing-all-the-candy-on-the-table.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-07-19","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/how-to-save-when-you-are-young"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Savings accounts and interest rates explained","body":"What is a savings account? How do savings account interest rates work? ING Belgium’s guide explains how these regulated and non-regulated bank accounts work.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/88b3ebdd-1b83-457f-8a4c-7b18cf4a40fd/Woman-sitting-on-sofa","type":"image","width":6943,"altTextEN":"\"","altTextNL":"\"","altTextFR":"\"","altTextDE":"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1d3b874460c98ddf/original/Woman-sitting-on-sofa.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2025-12-14","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/savings-accounts-and-interest-rates-explained"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"small","title":"How to build a savings plan?","body":"Several options exist, depending on your needs and investor profile","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/3c1a3b5a-95f2-4ba6-9254-9f0f62160f94/Man-riding-e-scooter-looks-at-mobile-phone","type":"image","width":5964,"altTextEN":"\"","altTextNL":"\"","altTextFR":"\"","altTextDE":"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/3db557439edad51c/original/Man-riding-e-scooter-looks-at-mobile-phone.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-06-08","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/savings-plan-how-to-build-it"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Interest on a savings account: everything you need to know.","body":"What factors do they depend on? How are they calculated?","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/52b57a4f-3d47-43e6-91d3-36568f5f8e77/Two-colleagues-laugh-while-having-coffee-together-on-outdoor-terrace","type":"image","width":5616,"altTextEN":"\"","altTextNL":"\"","altTextFR":"\"","altTextDE":"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/22bd6a74aa4c01c5/original/Two-colleagues-laugh-while-having-coffee-together-on-outdoor-terrace.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2025-12-16","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/interest-rates-savings-account"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Top savings tips to reduce your spending","body":"Learn how to save money with these effective savings tips, from tracking expenses to drawing up a budget and finding ways to reduce your spending.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/7a763db3-4343-4121-9c33-fee66872b4c8/Close-up-of-female-accountant-or-banker-making-calculations","type":"image","width":2508,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/47dde74125d2d6d7/original/Close-up-of-female-accountant-or-banker-making-calculations.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2025-12-16","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/increase-your-saving-capacity-9-tips"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"How much to save monthly: savings explained","body":"Find out how much to save monthly with these financial tips from ING, including advice on how best to set aside monthly savings and save efficiently.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/d4904343-b233-4ee8-b4f7-fda7a430d9df/household-saving-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/246afa466973c8f0/original/household-saving-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-07-18","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/amount-savings-month"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"The best way to save: your essential savings checklist","body":"In this article, we will help you understand the savings mechanism and how to prepare to save and, above all, give you a comprehensive checklist to help you manage your savings effectively.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/d4904343-b233-4ee8-b4f7-fda7a430d9df/household-saving-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/246afa466973c8f0/original/household-saving-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-07-28","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/best-way-to-save-savings-checklist"}}]}]}}}